Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz has said Punjab has provided vocational training to 200,000 young people while adding that empowering young people through skills and employment opportunities is a top priority of the government.

She made these remarks while addressing the passing out students of skills development and entrepreneurship department.

The chief minister stressed that a large portion of Pakistan’s population consists of youth who must be equipped to compete both locally and internationally.

Speaking at a public event, Maryam Nawaz said Punjab government has launched multiple skills development programs, including special initiatives for women. She revealed that more than 200,000 young people have already received training under the skills program, with many now ready to enter the job market or start their own businesses.

She announced that trained youth will be supported through the ‘Parwaz Card’ under which each eligible individual will receive up to Rs300,000. The amount will be provided as an interest-free loan to help young people launch businesses or secure better employment. She added that many trained youth have already begun earning through e-commerce ventures.

The chief minister highlighted that a Garments City has been established in Sheikhupura, where 1,000 young people have been trained so far. She also disclosed that Saudi Arabia has requested 45,000 skilled Pakistani workers, adding that trained youth are being sent abroad to meet international labor demands.

Maryam Nawaz said her government is committed to taking state services directly to the people. She pointed to mobile service labs that reduce the need for citizens to visit government offices, doorstep healthcare services across Punjab, free water supply initiatives by WASA, and the establishment of mobile police stations for women.

Emphasizing dignity and fair wages, she said Pakistan’s workforce should be recognized as skilled rather than cheap labor. She noted that unskilled workers pay a heavy price in the form of low wages and limited opportunities, and stressed the need to build a strong identity for Pakistan’s labor force at both domestic and international levels.

The chief minister also addressed inclusion, saying the transgender community represents a large segment of society that must be supported. She pledged to do everything within her capacity to uplift them. She added that while laborers are hardworking, their wages remain low, which must be addressed through skills and empowerment.